Volunteer Awards

The Lifesaving Society is composed of thousands of dedicated volunteers. Annually, we recognize outstanding individuals with Commonwealth Honour Awards.

Commonwealth Honour Awards recognize leadership and dedicated service to the Lifesaving Society.

  • The Certificate of Thanks honours volunteers for significant contributions to the aims of the Society.
  • The Certificate of Appreciation is awarded to an organization, club or business that has made a significant contribution to the Lifesaving Society at the provincial/territorial level and deserves recognition.
  • The Service Commendation is to recognize continuous service, contributions or achievement by individuals.
  • The Service Medal acknowledges a minimum of 5 years of noteworthy service as a volunteer officer or committee member.
  • The Bar to Service Medal is awarded to an instructor, examiner, field representative, volunteer, Branch officer, or committee member who has an additional four years or more (minimum of 8 total) of noteworthy services as per the Service Medal criteria.

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  • The Service Cross honours meritorious service to the Society over at least 15 years.
  • The Bar to Service Cross is awarded in individuals who have previously earned the Service Cross four or more years previously and are active volunteers for the Lifesaving Society.
  • Honorary Life Member recognizes at least 20 years' service involving activity at a provincial as well as a national or international level.
  • Volunteers with a minimum 25 years of meritorious and noteworthy service at a provincial as well as a national or international level may be recognized as an Honorary Life Governor.
  • Commonwealth Vice President, the highest award of the Society, is normally reserved for individuals who have served on a National Council or the Commonwealth Council. Others may qualify in exceptional circumstances.
  • The HRH Prince Michael of Kent Certificate of Merit was launched in March 2003 to commemorate 25 years that His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent has served as the Society's Commonwealth President.